8 October 2026
Annual Leave & Sick Leave in Malaysia: Entitlement
Annual leave in Malaysia is 8, 12 or 16 days depending on service, and sick leave is 14, 18 or 22 days. See the table and how first-year leave is prorated.
Free tool: Annual Leave Calculator →
The Employment Act 1955 sets minimum paid annual leave and sick leave based on how long you have worked for your employer. Your contract or company policy can give you more, but not less.
Annual leave and sick leave by years of service
The table shows the minimum paid days a year. Employees who are hospitalised can take up to 60 days of paid sick leave a year instead of the shorter sick leave allowance.
| Years of service | Annual leave | Sick leave (not hospitalised) | Sick leave (hospitalised) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years | 8 days | 14 days | Up to 60 days |
| 2 years to under 5 years | 12 days | 18 days | Up to 60 days |
| 5 years or more | 16 days | 22 days | Up to 60 days |
Prorated annual leave in your first year
If you have worked less than 12 months in your first year, annual leave is prorated: your yearly entitlement divided by 12, multiplied by the number of completed months of service, rounded to the nearest half day. For example, 8 days with 6 completed months works out to 4 days.
Medical certificate for sick leave
Paid sick leave generally requires a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, so keep the certificate and give it to your employer promptly.
Public holidays
On top of leave, employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year, including 5 fixed ones: National Day, Labour Day, Malaysia Day, the Agong's birthday and the Ruler's or Governor's birthday.
Who this page covers
This is a general summary of the Employment Act for private-sector employees. Sabah and Sarawak have their own Labour Ordinances, and government employees follow separate service rules.
Work out your own leave
Enter your years of service and months worked in the annual leave calculator to get your own number of days.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of annual leave do you get in Malaysia?
At least 8 days if you have worked under 2 years, 12 days for 2 years to under 5 years, and 16 days for 5 years or more, under the Employment Act 1955.
How many days of sick leave do you get in Malaysia?
14 days under 2 years of service, 18 days for 2 to under 5 years, and 22 days for 5 years or more. If you are hospitalised, you can take up to 60 days a year.
How is annual leave calculated in the first year?
Prorated: yearly entitlement divided by 12, multiplied by completed months of service, rounded to the nearest half day.
How many paid public holidays are there in Malaysia?
Employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year, including 5 fixed ones: National Day, Labour Day, Malaysia Day, the Agong's birthday and the Ruler's or Governor's birthday.